Nathan Templeton: How Sunrise star became a part of one of the AFL’s most successful teams as sports stars mourn his tragic death aged just 44

Channel Seven Sunrise star and sports reporter Nathan Templeton is being mourned after his tragic death on Wednesday – and the Geelong Cats AFL team has been hit particularly hard by the news.

The body of the 44-year-old father of two was found on a walking trail near the Barwon River in Geelong on Monday evening.

Templeton is survived by his wife Kate and their two young sons Jack and James.

His family said in a statement on Wednesday: “Our hearts are broken for an adoring father and a wonderful friend who will be missed by many.”

Templeton was the ground announcer and master of ceremonies for the Cats at their home games for six years and has made no secret of his love for the club on social media.

Templeton gave football fans a glimpse into his love for the club as Joel Selwood made headlines around the world during the celebrations of their 2022 Grand Final win (pictured)

The Sunrise reporter is pictured with Geelong ball boy Sam Moorfoot, who shot to fame when he was lifted over the fence during the 2022 grand final to take part in Geelong’s on-field victory celebration

He has deep ties to the area and attended the private school of Geelong College.

The Cats paid tribute to Templeton shortly after the shocking news emerged on Wednesday.

“We are saddened to hear of Nathan’s passing. He was a much-loved member of the Geelong family for six years as ground announcer and MC,” said Geelong Cats CEO Steve Hocking.

“He brought his love of the Cats and football to his matchday role and created a great bond with fans with his knowledge, vibrancy and energy.

“We extend our deepest sympathy and condolences to Nathan’s children, family and friends at this time.”

The highly regarded reporter gave football fans an insight into his love for the team after they won the 2022 grand final and club great Joel Selwood made headlines around the world by lifting club water boy Sam Moorfoot over the fence to celebrate the win.

Templeton (left) worked with some of the biggest names in the sport during his career, including Australian swimming greats Giaan Rooney and Ian Thorpe (pictured)

Two years ago, cricket legend Adam Gilchrist showered the Seven presenter with praise as he covered the Tokyo Olympics

“I’m @GeelongCats and declare my bias, but I can honestly say I haven’t met a better human than @joelselwood14. Every time in Cat’s café he talks to someone who is having a hard time. The great test of every person is whether you do good things when no one is watching and he absolutely is.’

Templeton’s Channel Seven co-host and footy diehard Rebecca Maddern referenced their shared love of the club as she paid tribute on Wednesday.

“Nathan loved the Geelong Cats as much as I did, we went to the same school, worked at the same network… Rest in Peace Nathan,” she wrote.

Sydney Swans footy Jude Bolton was also left shattered by the star’s death.

Templeton was fortunate to play tennis with Roger Federer and golfer Adam Scott

He also excelled in swimming at the Olympics (pictured with Michael Phelps)

The 44-year-old also stepped into the octagon with UFC great Luke Rockhold

‘Saddened to hear of the sudden passing of Nathan Templeton. Thoughts go out to the entire family, to the Seven crew and his close friends,” he tweeted.

The 44-year-old regularly covers major sporting events such as the Olympic Games and the AFL Grand Final, meeting some of the world’s biggest stars.

He played tennis against Roger Federer, sparred with UFC great Luke Rockhold and met some of the world’s greatest swimmers ever, including Australian Ian Thorpe and Olympic record holder Michael Phelps.

Templeton has worked for the Seven Network for more than a dozen years, including as a Melbourne correspondent for the breakfast show Sunrise, and in the sports department.

However, he has not been on the show’s air since late 2022 and worked behind the scenes last year.